Looking for a full comparison of VLC, Pot Player, and Windows Media player? When it comes to watching videos on your computer, having a reliable media player is essential.
But with so many high quality, free options available, how do you know which one is the best for your specific needs?
Related: 21 Best Video Players for Mac (Free & Paid)
In this post, we’ll compare three popular media players: VLC, Windows Media Player, and PotPlayer (side by side).
We’ll discuss their features, installation process, and overall performance to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
See our post: VLC Media Player: Is it still the Best Video Player?
Key Takeaways – Quick comparison
- VLC supports almost any format, but both VLC and PotPlayer have advanced features like Hardware acceleration and the ability to watch 3d movies or shows.
- Pot Player has the most minimalist design out of the three media players (and has 360 degree video playback).
- Both VLC and PotPlayer have been criticized for having confusing options menus, but are praised for their wide range of settings and support for various media formats.
- Windows Media Player remains a highly reliable default media player, but can’t compare to VLC and pot Player if you’re planning on tweaking settings.
VLC vs Windows Media Player vs PotPlayer (Full Comparison)
While each media player has the same basic functions, such as playing audio and video files, each has its own unique features, pros, and cons.
In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at these three media players to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Related: How to install VLC Media Player in Ubuntu
What is VLC?
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source video player that supports almost any video or audio format and optimizes playback for various devices. It also includes advanced features such as streaming and downloadable plugins.
VLC’s compatibility with various operating systems and devices and its playback quality make it a popular choice. However, its options menu can be confusing.
Overall, VLC remains the top choice for playing downloaded movies and obscure video file formats that are not supported by default media players.
Related: How to Download a Youtube Video with VLC (Windows & Mac)
What is Pot Player?
PotPlayer is a multimedia software player developed by South Korean company Kakao, formerly known as Daum Communications, for Microsoft Windows.
One speculation why Pot Player has become popular is due to the fact it has been bundled with certain softwares – this is both a pro and con because not everyone requests this to be installed.
It competes with other popular Windows media players and is praised for its wide range of settings and support for various media formats.
However, its options menu has been criticized as confusing and checkbox-laden. PotPlayer has a minimalist design and includes a built-in video editor, screen recorder, and TV receiver in addition to its media player functionality.
Overall, it is a lightweight and customizable media player with advanced features with 64 & 32 bit download options.
What is Windows Media Player?
Windows Media Player (WMP) is a free media player and library app from Microsoft that plays audio and video on personal computers.
It can organize media files, create playlists, rip music from CDs and DVDs, synchronize content with digital audio players and mobile devices, and purchase or rent music from online stores.
However, WMP has some drawbacks such as limited ability to stream videos properly, and inability to sync with certain portable devices. Despite this, WMP remains a popular choice for Windows users as it’s the default app and it works with minimal issues for simple video playback.
VLC vs Windows Media Player
VLC Media Player supports almost any video or audio format, including DVD playback, and has a customizable interface with advanced features such as streaming and downloadable plugins.
In contrast, Windows Media Player is pre-installed on Windows computers and has a user-friendly interface, but has limited codec support and lacks advanced features like streaming. Overall, VLC is the preferred choice for its wide range of file format support and customizable interface.
Feature differences
VLC Media Player offers more advanced features, such as the ability to optimize playback for any device, zoom in videos, cut and trim videos, rotate and flip, merge, and even play videos as they’re downloading.
It also allows users to search for album covers, while Windows Media Player is more basic and lacks these features.
You can also rip a DVD with VLC with advanced options – while WMP can do this, it’s the settings for adjustment didn’t seem as advanced when i tested it.
Related: How to Cut & Trim Videos in VLC MediaPlayer (Windows & Mac)
Video File Format Compatibility comparison
Here’s a table we created based on our research. It displays the supported media formats by VLC Media Player and Windows Media Player side by side:
| Media Player | Video Formats | Audio Formats |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Media Player | MPEG (ES,PS,TS,PVA,MP3), AVI, ASF/WMV/WMA, MP4/MOV/3GP, OGG/OGM (MKV), Real, WAV (including DTS) | DTS, AAC, AC3/A52, Raw DV, FLAC, FLV (Flash), MXF, Nut and Standard MIDI/SMF files as well as Creative™ Voice |
| Windows Media Player | .asf, .wma, .wmv, .wm, .asx, .wax, .wvx, .wmx, .wpl, .mpg, .mpeg, .m1v, .mp2, .mp3, .mpa, .mpe, .m3u, .mov, .mp4, .m4a, .m4v, .mp4v, .3g2, .3gp2, .3gp, .3gpp, .aac, .adt, .adts, .m2ts, .flac | .aif, .aifc, .aiff, .au, .snd, .wav, .cda |
User Interface
VLC’s interface is straightforward, but not as attractive as Windows Media Player’s customizable GUI. VLC doesn’t allow you to control a minimized window directly, you have to restore it first. Whereas, Windows Media Player has a mini window which you can control without opening the main one.
For example, VLC might be a better choice for users who value simplicity and ease of use over aesthetics. Windows Media Player would be more suitable for users who like to customize their interface and want to control their media player without bringing up the main window.
Plugins and Extensions
Both VLC and Windows Media Player offer a range of extensions and plugins to enhance the existing features. For example, VLC offers Moments’ Tracker, Playlist Cleaner, and VLSub to create bookmarks, remove duplicates, and search for subtitles.
Whereas Windows Media Player, offers Audio Effects (DSP) Plug-ins, DVD Decoder Plug-ins, MP3 Creation Plug-ins, and Rendering Plug-ins to add audio effects, DVD capability, MP3 encoding, and 3D/2D graphics support.
Related: How to Zoom in on Videos in VLC (Windows & Mac)
VLC has a wider collection of plugins and extensions when compared to Windows Media Player. This can be beneficial for those who wish to modify features and settings to their needs.
Overall, both VLC and Windows Media Player offer useful extensions and plugins, but VLC has more options for those looking for specific functionality.
Autoplay
The autoplay feature in media players can be a helpful tool for users who want to listen to music or watch videos without interruption.
VLC allows users to set up continuous play for a single media file or an entire playlist. This feature is easy to access through the preferences window or a button on the toolbar, making it convenient for users who frequently use autoplay.
While Windows Media Player has autoplay, it can lead to issues. For example, turning off autoplay may not always stop the player from auto starting videos.
Overall, while both VLC and Windows Media Player offer autoplay, VLC’s options are more reliable and customizable, making it a better choice for users who want a seamless, uninterrupted media playback experience.
Installation
VLC is free and open-source, while Windows Media Player is pre-installed on Windows but may require additional purchases for some features.
For example, let’s consider the ability to play DVDs. While Windows Media Player can play DVDs, it requires the installation of third-party software, such as the Windows DVD Player app, which costs a few dollars. This can frustrate users who expect a pre-installed media player to be fully functional without additional costs.
VLC comes with built-in support for a wide range of media file types and codecs, so users don’t need to worry about purchasing additional software or codecs to play their media files.
Overall, while Windows Media Player comes pre-installed, the additional costs for some of its features can add up. VLC’s native support for a broad array of media files and codecs makes it a more economical choice for users who require a media player that can cope with many media files without needing extra purchases.
VLC vs PotPlayer
if you’re looking for a lightweight and fast media player with basic features, PotPlayer is a good option. But if you want a reliable media player with advanced features and broad compatibility, VLC Media Player is a better choice.
Feature differences
VLC Media Player is great for playing almost any media file on your computer and portable devices, with plenty of advanced settings to make your experience more enjoyable. But some of its features may feel outdated.
PotPlayer offers many effects and filters to enhance video clips, a built-in screen recorder and supports 3D video files. You can customize the interface to your liking.
Say you have a large collection of media files in various formats, and want a player that can handle all of them. VLC Media Player would be a great choice because it can play make any file format you throw at it, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, and MKV. Plus, with its advanced settings, you can fine-tune the playback like adjusting the playback speed, add subtitles, or even take screenshots while watching a video.
But if you’re a video editor or content creator, you may need a media player that offers more advanced features. PotPlayer is an excellent option here because it offers a screen recorder. You can use it to capture your screen and record your voiceover.
In short, if you want a simple media player that can play almost anything, VLC Media Player is a good choice. But if you require more advanced features like a screen recorder or 3D support, PotPlayer is the way to go.
Video File Format Compatibility comparison
Here’s a table displaying the supported media formats by VLC Media Player and PotPlayer.
| Media Player | Video Formats | Audio Formats |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Media Player | MPEG(ES,PS,TS,PVA,MP3), AVI, ASF/WMV/WMA, MP4/MOV/3GP, OGG/OGM(MKV), Real, WAV (including DTS) | DTS, AAC, AC3/A52, Raw DV, FLAC, FLV(Flash), MXF, Nut, Standard MIDI/SMF files, Creative™ Voice |
| PotPlayer | AVI, MPEG, ASF, WMV, M2V, MTS, DPG, DivX, AMV | MP3, WAV, FLAC, MOD, WMA, OGG, M4A, AAC, RA |
User Interface
VLC has a simple interface that’s easy to use for basic tasks, but it can be confusing when accessing advanced settings.
PotPlayer’s interface is highly customizable, making it ideal for most users who want to tweak their media player to their liking. But it may feel a little too complicated for those who just want to click and play.
Say you just want to watch a movie on your computer with no fuss. VLC Media Player’s straightforward interface would be ideal. You can simply drag and drop your video file into the player, and it will start playing automatically. Plus, with its keyboard shortcuts, you can easily adjust the volume, pause, or skip forward or backward in the video.
But if you’re a power user who wants to customize their media player, PotPlayer’s interface may be more your speed. You can change the color scheme, add or remove buttons, and even set up custom keyboard shortcuts to suit your workflow.
Overall, the user interface of VLC Media Player and PotPlayer caters to different users. VLC Media Player is a great choice if you need an easy-to-use program. But if you want to customize every aspect of your media player, PotPlayer is the better option.
Plugins and Extensions
VLC has plugins available for various browsers, including Chrome and Firefox, allowing for quick and easy access to the player. These plugins can enhance your browsing experience by allowing you to play media files without having to leave your browser. For example, you can use the VLC Web Plugin to play embedded videos on websites directly in your browser.
PotPlayer is a relatively new software and falls short in terms of available plugins when compared to VLC. But it offers a range of customization options within the player itself, such as skins and 3D effects.
To sum it up, if you’re searching for a media player that synchronizes with your browser effortlessly, VLC Media Player is the solution. However, if you’re more interested in customizing the look and feel of your player, PotPlayer may be a better choice.
Autoplay
With PotPlayer, you can easily autoplay a playlist, allowing for seamless playback of multiple media files. Whereas with VLC, you have to play each video file manually.
For example, let’s say you have a collection of workout videos that you want to watch in sequence. With PotPlayer’s autoplay feature, you can simply start playing the first video and the rest will play automatically, allowing you to focus on your workout with no interruptions.
But if you’re using VLC Media Player to watch a playlist of videos, you’ll need to select and play each video file on the list.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a media player that offers an autoplay feature for playlists, PotPlayer is a good choice, but you may have to put up with ads. VLC Media Player is ad-free, but you’ll need to play each video file manually.
Installation
PotPlayer’s installation file is smaller, which means it takes up less space on your computer and downloads more quickly than VLC. This can be especially helpful for users who have limited storage space or a slow internet connection. But that the installation process for both media players is straightforward and user-friendly, with clear instructions provided throughout the process.
Windows Media Player vs Pot Player
Below i’ll compare PotPlayer with Windows Media Player. Note that Windows Media Player (WMP) is the default media player on most Windows operating systems, while Pot Player must be downloaded separately.
Feature differences
Windows Media Player is a solid choice for playing audio, video, and pictures, and it offers some useful tools like fast-forward, reverse, file markers, and variable playback speed. It also supports local playback and streaming playback, with multi-cast streams and progressive downloads. You can also connect, share, and sync data with portable handheld devices.
Whereas PotPlayer offers a more modern approach to media playback. It supports most file formats, and it can even play broken files. It also offers the ability to watch videos through a proxy, change the playback speed, and even support various types of 3D glasses. Plus, it has a bookmarking feature that allows users to save their favorite scenes or chapters.
For example, let’s say you have a video file that won’t play on Windows Media Player because it’s a broken file. PotPlayer would be the better option here because it supports playing broken files. Or, if you’re watching a video on a slow internet connection and need to reduce the playback speed to avoid buffering, PotPlayer’s ability to change the playback speed is useful.
Overall, both Windows Media Player and PotPlayer have their unique features, but PotPlayer caters more towards modern user requirements.
Video File Format Compatibility comparison
Here’s a table displaying the supported media formats by Windows Media Player and PotPlayer.
| Media Player | Video Formats | Audio Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Media Player | .asf, .wma, .wmv, .wm, .asx, .wax, .wvx, .wmx, .wpl, .mpg, .mpeg, .m1v, .mp2, .mp3, .mpa, .mpe, .m3u, .mov, .mp4, .m4a, .m4v, .mp4v, .3g2, .3gp2, .3gp, .3gpp, .aac, .adt, .adts, .m2ts, .flac | .aif, .aifc, .aiff, .au, .snd, .wav, .cda |
| PotPlayer | AVI, MPEG, ASF, WMV, M2V, MTS, DPG, DivX, AMV | MP3, WAV, FLAC, MOD, WMA, OGG, M4A, AAC, RA |
User Interface
PotPlayer’s interface is polished and highly customizable. You can customize the interface for audio playback by hiding or adding buttons, changing skin color, and more. This level of customization can be helpful for users who prefer to personalize their media player to suit their preferences.
Whereas, Windows Media Player has a great user interface that provides a mini window, allowing you to control it without having to interact with the main window. You can also customize the player to appear transparent. This feature can be helpful for users who want to keep their media player in the background while working on other tasks.
For example, let’s say you frequently use certain audio playback features in PotPlayer, but they are buried in the interface and difficult to access quickly. With PotPlayer’s customizable interface, you could add those frequently used buttons to the main interface or hide the ones you don’t use, making it easier and quicker to use those audio features.
But if you’re watching a movie on Windows Media Player, but you need to work on something else simultaneously. With the mini window feature, you can keep the media player in the background while you work, and still have easy access to its controls.
Overall, while both media players have good user interfaces, PotPlayer provides more options for customizing the interface. This level of customization can be beneficial for users who want to tailor their media player to their specific needs and preferences.
Plugins and Extensions
Being a new media player, PotPlayer has limited plugins and extensions compared to Windows Media Player.
Despite this, PotPlayer still has some useful plugins and extensions available. For example, it offers an external subtitle plugin that allows users to download and add subtitles easily.
Windows Media Player has a wider range of plugins and extensions available. For instance, it offers a plugin for playing DVDs, which can be useful for users who frequently watch movies on their computer.
Autoplay
PotPlayer’s autoplay feature allows for seamless sequential playback of a playlist of multimedia files, with no manual intervention. This feature can be beneficial for users who want to kick back and watch a collection of videos or movies without starting each one individually.
For example, let’s say a user has a playlist of videos they wish to watch in PotPlayer. With the autoplay feature, the videos will automatically play one after the other, allowing the user to enjoy uninterrupted playback.
While Windows Media Player also supports autoplay, it can sometimes cause issues, such as videos automatically starting even when autoplay is turned off. This can frustrate users who prefer more control over their media player.
For example, if a user turns off autoplay, but the player still auto starts videos, it can disrupt the viewing experience.
In summary, PotPlayer’s autoplay feature provides a more seamless and reliable experience for users who want to play a playlist of multimedia files, while Windows Media Player’s autoplay feature can be prone to issues.
Installation
Windows Media Player comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems, which means users don’t need to go through the hassle of downloading and installing it separately. But there are many additional purchases for certain features, which can increase the cost of using the media player.
In contrast, PotPlayer is a space-efficient media player that is quick to download and install. Its quick installation process makes it an ideal choice for users who want a media player up and running quickly.
Which is the best between VLC Windows Media Player and VLC?
The winner: VLC Media Player. It’s the better choice in almost every scenario, especially for those who want more advanced features and customization options, while Windows Media Player may be a more straightforward and convenient option for basic video playback needs, especially since it is pre-installed on Windows devices.
Ultimately, the best media player for an individual will depend on their specific needs and preferences, but VLC excels in most areas between the two media players.
Best for Mac & Windows: VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a good option for Mac & Windows users because it is a versatile media player that can handle almost any video or audio format, including some that may not be supported by other media players on the Mac platform.
In fact, VLC is our top pick amongst the 21 Best Video Players for Mac (Free & Paid).
VLC is free and open-source, making it an accessible option for users who may not want to spend money on a media player.
It’s also ideal for those who want advanced capabilities such as the ability to filter video playback, optimize playback for any device, zoom in videos, cut and trim videos, and more, making it a powerful and flexible media player for Mac users.
Whats interesting is you can even convert youtube videos as well as
Alternatives
In addition to VLC, Windows Media Player, and PotPlayer, there are several other media player alternatives available. MPV Media Player, for example, offers hardware acceleration and uses FFmpeg.
- IINA: which provides a modern interface and supports a wide range of video formats. I personally use Quicktime over INNA on my Mac, but many users find it to be one of the best out there.
- Movist: is a media player for Mac users with a simple and easy-to-use interface. It offers high-quality playback, subtitle support, and customizable preferences.
- Elmedia Player: aA universal video player for Mac that supports various video formats, subtitles, and has built-in streaming options. QuickTime is a default media player for Mac devices.
- GOM player: GOM Player is a free video player that supports various file formats and offers skins to choose from. It also has a large subtitle library and supports 360-degree VR playback.
Note: Compared to other players, GOM Player’s unique features include its subtitle library and VR playback support. GOM Player Plus is an upgraded version that provides an ad-free playback environment and allows for high-resolution 4K UHD movies without buffering.
Other alternatives include Plex, Infuse, 5KPlayer, Emby, and Jellyfin, each offering different features and functionality. However, VLC, WMP, and PotPlayer are our go-to choices.
Also see: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby: Which is better? Comparison
William
Sunday 30th of July 2023
PotPlayer freezes when I scroll through a HEVC video, whereas VLC doesn't. My laptop's CPU is powerful enough (i5-12500H), so PotPlayer is obviously not better
Paul Michael
Monday 31st of July 2023
I tested this and didn't have the same experience, but I'd bet if you message their support they'll patch the issue quite quickly if it's truly on their end. VLC is tough to beat considering it's free/open sourced though.